JOHANNESBURG: The Proteas Women are still in search of the perfect game ahead of the final two T20 Internationals (T20Is) against India, beginning with the penultimate match of the five-match series at the DP World Wanderers Stadium on Saturday.
The encounter will be broadcast on SuperSport Variety 1 (Ch. 206) and SABC 3, with the live action commencing at 18:00 SAST.
South Africa has been the superior side in the series, claiming three dominant victories, including a record-breaking chase in the third T20I at the Wanderers, which featured the fastest half-century and century in Proteas Women’s history from captain Laura Wolvaardt (115 off 53 balls; 14 fours, 5 sixes).
Speaking at the pre-match press conference on the eve of the fourth T20I, all-rounder Chloé Tryon explained the team’s goals for the remainder of the series, highlighting the focus on building towards the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England this June.
“Just everything coming together. The batting has improved a lot, and I feel like our bowling has come a long way, especially after a tough New Zealand series. I still think our fielding is probably something we can work on.
“The good thing about playing against India and not doing well in the field is that we’re still winning matches. Hopefully, all of that can come together, and we can put in a perfect performance. We’ve got two important games still coming up – building blocks for us. If we can just tighten up on those small things, it will give us really good confidence going into a World Cup,” Tryon commented.
With the Proteas having sealed a bilateral T20I series victory against India for the first time since 2021, and with two games to spare, Tryon emphasised the team’s determined mindset heading into the second Wanderers clash.
“The one thing that stuck out from what Mandla (Mashimbyi, head coach) has said is that we’re starting from zero again, and we shouldn’t fall in love with winning. It’s about making sure we stick to our processes. So everyone’s been in a really good space, really confident.
“The next two games are still really important. We know how strong the Indian side is, and we can’t take anything for granted. It’s about building on the performances we’ve had. We’re going to stick to our processes and keep building for an exciting World Cup coming up,” the 32-year-old added.
With fans and media alike running out of superlatives to describe Wolvaardt’s performances at the crease following her destructive outing on Wednesday night – her third consecutive score of 50+ in the series – Tryon shared her view of the innings from the changeroom she shares with the skipper.
“It’s been amazing to watch her go about her business. It’s just world-class. She had so much fun and a big smile on her face, which was so nice to see. It gives you a lot of confidence going into a World Cup, being in that mindset. Hopefully, she can continue to do that. She’s going to break a lot of records. I mean, she’s only 26. Crazy.”
Proteas Women’s T20I Squad against India:
Laura Wolvaardt (captain, Fidelity Titans), Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Garden Route Badgers), Ayanda Hlubi (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), *Tebogo Macheke (Fidelity Titans), Eliz-Mari Marx (Fidelity Titans), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kayla Reyneke (World Sports Betting Western Province), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions) and Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions).
*Uncapped
Fixtures – Proteas Women’s Inbound T20I Series against India:
4th T20I – Saturday, 25 April at 18:00
South Africa vs India – DP World Wanderers, Johannesburg
5th T20I – Monday, 27 April at 14:00
South Africa vs India – Willowmoore Park, Benoni
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